Today, we are joined by Dr. Daniel Willingham.Dr. Daniel T. Willingham is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia, known for his work applying cognitive psychology to K-16 education. He earned his B.A. from Duke University and his Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from Harvard University. Initially, his research focused on the brain basis of learning and memory, but he later shifted his focus to the practical applications of cognitive science in education. He is the author of several books, including Why Don't Students Like School?, When Can You Trust the Experts?, and The Reading Mind.In this continuation of our conversation, we explore the practical applications of cognitive science for learning and development. Dr. Willingham breaks down complex concepts around knowledge, intelligence, expertise, and practice while challenging common misconceptions about how we learn. From understanding what IQ really measures to debunking the myth of general critical thinking skills, he provides evidence-based insights that reshape how we should approach learning both in educational settings and professional development.Key topics include:-Why background knowledge is essential for retaining new information and understanding context -The relationship between knowledge and skills and why they cannot be separated -How chunking works and why experts see patterns that novices cannot recognize -The two components of IQ: fluid intelligence (working memory) vs crystallized intelligence (knowledge) -Why IQ can be changed and what it actually measures versus what people think it measures -The progression from rote to shallow to deep knowledge and when each is appropriate -How experts organize knowledge differently than novices, not just know more -Why knowledge transfer is so difficult and domain-specific, even within similar contexts -Whether critical thinking can be taught and the limitations of general thinking skills -The essential role of practice in learning and why there are no shortcuts to proficiency -Deliberate practice principles and how to identify weaknesses to improve systematically -Three forces that shape learning mindset: social comparisons, friendships, and family values -Why adults need to shift from grades-based to application-based measures of success -The challenges and opportunities AI presents for effective learning strategiesWhether you're designing training programs, teaching others, or working to improve your own learning, Dr. Willingham's research-backed insights challenge popular but ineffective approaches and provide a clearer understanding of how learning actually works.Dr. Daniel Willingham's Books: danielwillingham.com/booksDr. Willingham's Website: danielwillingham.com-Website and live online programs: http://ims-online.comBlog: https://blog.ims-online.com/Podcast: https://ims-online.com/podcasts/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesgood/Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesgood99Chapters:(00:00) Introduction(01:40) Why Background Knowledge Helps Retain New Information (06:00) Chunking and How Experts Organize Knowledge Differently(08:00) The Two Components of IQ and Why It Can Be Changed (12:00) From Rote to Shallow to Deep Knowledge(15:00) Why Knowledge Transfer Is So Difficult and Domain-Specific (20:00) Can Critical Thinking Be Taught as a General Skill? (23:00) The Essential Role of Practice and Deliberate Practice Principles (25:00) Three Forces That Shape Learning Mindset Beyond Grades (29:00) Conclusion#CharlesGood #DanWillingham #TheGoodLeadershipPodcast #CognitiveScience #BackgroundKnowledge #IQMyths #DeepKnowledge #KnowledgeTransfer #CriticalThinking #DeliberatePractice #LearningMindset #ExpertiseBuilding #WorkingMemory #EducationalPsychology #AdultLearning